Author: andrew@agency15.com

If you’re an Irish Propane customer, you probably already know that propane is one of the most versatile and clean-burning fuels around, capable of powering just about any appliance or vehicle for your home or business – and almost always more effectively than electricity.

But what else do you know about this incredible gas?

Here are some interesting facts about propane – to learn even more, check out this video.

• Propane is one of the lightest hydrocarbons in existence, which makes it one of the cleanest burning of all fossil fuels.
• In its natural form, propane is nontoxic, colorless, and odorless; an odorant (which smells like rotten eggs) is added to make leaks easy to detect.
• Propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas – which is why it is stored and transported as a liquid.
• Most domestic propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing; in fact, current U.S. propane supplies are abundant due in large part to an overall increase in natural gas production. Some propane is also produced from the crude oil refinement process. In combination with butane, propane accounts for between one and four percent of processed crude oil.
• About 90 percent of our domestic propane supply is produced right here at home. About three-quarters of the remaining domestic propane supply comes from Canada or Mexico.
• Propane is the only alternative fuel listed in the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992; neither the process by which propane is produced nor the combustion of propane gas produces significant acid rain contaminants.
• Propane gas does not spill, pool, or leave a residue; this makes it harmless to soil or groundwater in the event of a leak.
• Propane furnaces and water heaters can reach efficiencies that exceed 95 percent. Propane clothes dryers dry more quickly while creating less static than electric units, saving you time and money and reducing wear and tear on your wardrobe. Propane cooking ranges offer precision temperature control – a key reasons why nearly 95 percent of professional chefs choose to cook with gas. Propane stoves also cost less to operate than their electric counterparts.

Propane – a high performance fuel for your home or business! Thinking about making the switch? Contact Irish Propane today to learn more about propane delivery in Rochester and Buffalo, NY.

If you’re a new propane customer – or plan to become one soon – one of the most important choices you’ll have to make is whether to buy or lease/rent your propane tank from your supplier.

We’ll save you some time and cut to the chase on this one: For most homeowners, leasing is the better option.

While buying your own propane tank may give you some flexibility in choosing a propane supplier, leasing provides several significant advantages for you in both the short and long run.

When you lease a propane tank, you get these two big benefits:

• Lifetime maintenance. Propane tanks require ongoing maintenance and inspections from a certified professional to keep them in compliance with all local, regional, and federal safety laws and codes. When you lease your propane tank, your supplier generally absorbs those costs and takes care of any maintenance required to keep your tank running safely.
• Most costs are included. The purchase cost of a 500-gallon tank can be several thousand dollars – and that doesn’t include installation, connection to your appliances, or excavation and concrete pouring (if needed). When you lease, on the other hand, your supplier will cover most of those expenses. As we mention above, you’ll also need to pay for replacement parts if you need them for repairs, professional service to keep your tank compliant. When you lease a tank, most of those expenses are covered by your supplier.

The Bottom Line: Leasing Is the Smart Choice

If you lease a tank from Irish Propane, we are responsible for all its routine maintenance and will take on the up-front costs on your tank. You’ll get FREE tank inspections and repairs, FREE upsizing if your propane needs change, and FREE maintenance. All you have to do is pay your monthly bill and enjoy your propane-powered home.

Leasing your propane tank is almost always the smart choice for our customers – which is why most people choose leasing when they become Irish Propane customers. Our technicians will help you get your propane tank up and running quickly, safely, and correctly – always in compliance with applicable laws and codes. No headaches, no hassles, no added expenses.

Time for a new propane tank – or a new propane supplier? We’re here for you! Contact Irish Propane today to learn more about our hassle-free propane tank leasing options!

If there’s one thing we’ve discovered over the course of the last year and a half, it’s how to have fun in a group without being indoors – and one of the biggest contributors to that fun has been propane patio heaters.

Whether they’re in your backyard or in the outdoor serving area of your bar or restaurant, propane patio heaters do a really great job at taking the edge off cool evenings so you and your guests will stay comfortable If temperatures dip.

Patio Heater Buying Tips

In the market for a propane patio heater but don’t know what to look for? Here are some important variables to consider.

1. Power – The most important feature to consider when choosing a patio heater is how much heat it will produce, and how far it will send that heat to you’re your space. The former is measured in Btus; the latter in heating diameter (usually indicated by the manufacturer of your patio heater). Measure your space and make sure the model you choose can cover that area.
2. Mounting type – Propane patio heaters can wall-mounted, tabletop or freestanding. Tabletop heaters stand about four feet high; freestanding heaters range between seven and nine feet high. One way to help decide between a tabletop and a freestanding heater is to consider whether you would prefer to manage a cylinder (freestanding) or a disposable (tabletop) propane canister.
3. Safety features – The most popular safeguard built into a patio heater is anti-tip feature, which automatically shuts off the heater if it’s tipped past a certain angle. Make sure the unit you choose includes this feature at minimum. Other safety features to look for include an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and an overfill protection device (OPD).
4. Efficiency – Your patio heater’s efficiency is indicated by its AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating. Think of AFUE like MPG for your car – the better the rating, the more energy efficient the appliance is).
5. Aesthetics – Many styles of patio heater are available – from modern stainless models to classic brushed copper and enamel painted options. Other style considerations include portable vs. stationary (with our without wheels) and design or shape.

Need fuel for your propane patio heater? We’ve got it! Contact Irish Propane today to keep the outdoor party going with propane deliveries and propane cylinder refills in Rochester and Buffalo, NY!

As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we’re all about serving our neighbors the best way we can by providing reliable and expert residential and commercial propane delivery and propane service in Buffalo and Rochester, NY.

But there’s more to us than just being local and reliable: Irish Propane is also a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) capable of taking on larger commercial contracts from local and state governments.

As a minority-owned business, we know how important it is to over-deliver on the promises we make – and to give you the respect and quality service your contract deserves. We have the resources and capabilities to meet the needs of any commercial government contract that requires a supply of propane. We’ll do the job safely and we’ll do the job right.

Irish Propane is available for local and state government-awarded business contracts in New York State. To learn more about what we offer as a propane supplier and WBE, contact us today.

If you need propane gas for your Rochester or Buffalo-area home or business, you have two choices: buy from a big-box industrial supplier that treats you like a number, or buy from a family of experts that has been delivering reliable home comfort since 1932.

With Irish Propane, you’ll get the same quality propane that the big boys offer – but you’ll get it from a fourth-generation certified Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) born right here in New York State. Propane is all we do, so you know it will be done right!

Become an Irish Propane customer today and you’ll get:

• Personal service from propane experts
• Fair and honest pricing – No more need for bargain hunting!
• Problem-solving innovation
• Industry-leading safety standards

But most of all you’ll get to do business with neighbors you can call and talk to whenever you need us.

In this era of huge businesses trying to swindle you with every trick in the book, isn’t it nice to know you have a propane supplier in Rochester and Buffalo, NY that offers reliable propane delivery and top-quality propane service you need?

You have it at Irish Propane.

For reliable propane delivery, propane cylinder refills, propane tank disposal and more – plus complete commercial services for your bar, restaurant, construction site, or any other business – trust the experts at Irish Propane. Contact us today to become an Irish Propane customer!

One of the great signs of spring’s arrival here in Western New York is the mouthwatering smell of food grilling on a weekend afternoon. Yum!

But before you fire up your propane-fired barbecue for some safe, healthy grilling, it’s a good idea to check the certification date on your propane cylinder to make sure it’s up-to-date (in case you didn’t know, all grill cylinders require recertification 12 years from the date they were manufactured, and every 5 years after that). 

How To Recertify A Propane Cylinder

To recertify your propane barbecue tank cylinder, just follow these easy steps:

• Look for your tank’s certification date. To check your propane tank’s certification date, take a look at the metal collar of the tank, which is the highest part nearest the valve. There should be a date stamped onto this piece. Check the date to see if it is current.
• Contact us if your certification is expired. If your tank is not certified, contact us to schedule your recertification appointment before you use your tank.
• Bring your tank in. Bring your tank to us (safely!); we’ll test and recertify it, indicating the inspection date and recertification date on a sticker (your tank inspection is good for five years). Turnaround on a tank inspection is usually 24 hours.
• Replace and recycle any unsafe tanks. If your tank is no longer safe to use, we can provide a new one for you and recycle your old one.

If your certification is current but you need more propane, we can help you there, too, with expert propane cylinder refills at one of our convenient locations in Rochester or Buffalo, NY.

Get grilling this spring with your newly-recertified propane tank! Contact Irish Propane to schedule recertification or refill of your propane tank today!

Many older propane gas furnaces rely on a pilot light for ignition (most newer models feature an electronic ignition for better efficiency and more reliable start-ups). If that pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t work.

Why Do Pilot Lights Go Out?

Primarily for one of four reasons:

1. A blocked intake valve – A buildup of dust or debris can cut off oxygen to the pilot light chamber, making it difficult for its flame to “breathe.”
2. A damaged thermocouple – A thermocouple is an electrical switch that varies its output when temperatures change – on your gas furnace, it’s used to cut off gas supply as a safety measure. A qualified technician must repair or replace a damaged thermocouple; it’s definitely not a DIY job.
3. A fuel leak – Insufficient fuel reaching the pilot light can cause your flame to glow yellow rather than blue – a yellow pilot light flame usually indicates a leak somewhere in your system. Your furnace responds to that leak by automatically shutting down for safety reasons. Do not attempt to repair heating system leaks yourself.
4. Wind or a draft – Most pilot lights simply blow out. Luckily, this is one of the easiest problems to fix. Follow these steps to reset your pilot light (please note: always follow manufacturer’s instructions if they are different than those listed below!).
   • Step 1: Find the gas valve in the pilot light assembly; it typically has “on,” “off,” and “pilot” settings.
   • Step 2: Turn the valve to the OFF position and wait three minutes or more for It to reset.
   • Step 3: After three minutes, turn the valve to the PILOT setting and hold a lighted match next to (not inside!) the pilot light opening. While holding the match, push and hold the reset button on the pilot control panel until you see the pilot light ignite, then set the valve to the ON position.
   • Step 4: If the pilot light doesn’t light after several attempts, contact a heating professional for service.

Stay safe and warm this winter with reliable propane delivery in Buffalo and Rochester New York from the exerts at Irish Propane. Contact us today to become an Irish Propane customer!

Most of us are hunkered down indoors even more than usual this year, relying on our home heating systems to keep us safe and protected in our Buffalo- or Rochester-area homes. But we shouldn’t take that safety for granted: when we spend all those hours indoors with our propane furnace cranking out BTUs, we also expose ourselves to risks from carbon monoxide poisoning.

More than 20,000 people visit emergency rooms with symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning each year – and nearly 40 percent of those visits come in the winter, when our heating systems are running at full tilt.

The good news is the dangers of CO poisoning are preventable with a little education and care. To stay safe, you’ll need to know some CO basics: how to spot the signs of poisoning, how to deal with its symptoms, and how to prevent CO buildup from occurring in the first place.

Carbon Monoxide Basics

• Carbon monoxide is a poisonous, odorless, and colorless gas produced when you burn propane, wood, oil, or any other kind of fuel. Exposure to it can cause illness, disorientation, or, in extreme cases, death.
• Carbon monoxide usually accumulates due to poor ventilation or equipment malfunction. A blocked vent or flue, a damaged or poorly maintained heating system, or overuse of an unvented heating appliance can all cause a dangerous CO build-up in your home.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms

• Symptoms of CO poisoning worsen with increased exposure to the gas. Limited exposure can cause flu-like symptoms (headaches, nausea, and fatigue). Moderate exposure can cause severe headaches, drowsiness, and disorientation. High exposure can lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest, and potentially death. Exposure to carbon monoxide can be especially dangerous for young children, in whom the spread of CO poisoning is more rapid.
• If you notice CO poisoning symptoms,
  • Get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors, then leave the house
  • Call 911
  • Report your symptoms to your doctor
  • Get a professional inspection for your appliances before using them again.

Preventing CO Dangers In Your Home

Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable with some sensible preparation and awareness. Here are five of the best ways to prevent CO dangers in your home:

1. Get your heating equipment serviced every year. An expert will spot issues before they pose risks to your family.
2. Install a CO detector on every floor of your home. Replace batteries once a year and replace the detector itself every five years.
3. Keep outdoor exhaust vents clear. Blocked vents can cause a dangerous buildup inside your home. Be sure to clear exhaust vents, flues, and other lines after all storms.
4. Keep an eye on your pets. If your pet seems sick or unusually slow to awaken, take him or her outside, check your CO detectors, and open windows.
5. Never start a vehicle indoors. Start your car with the garage door open, and never run it for more than a few minutes.

At Irish Propane, your comfort and safety are always our priority! See for yourself by becoming an Irish Propane customer today.

Besides the obvious problem of having a dangerously cold house, you also run the risk of having more serious issues, like frozen water pipes or a long-term mold problem. You’ll also have to pay out of pocket for the pressure test required by law when you restart your propane system after a service interruption.

Those are some strong reasons to avoid a fuel runout. But how do you do that?

Watch Your Propane Tank Gauge

If you manage your own propane deliveries, it’s critical to keep a close eye on your propane tank gauge throughout the winter – especially when temperatures drop suddenly (the way they have been the last few weeks). You could be using fuel 50 percent more quickly during a cold snap here in Rochester or Buffalo, so be sure to make monitoring your fuel tank part of your weekly routine.

Of course, if you don’t want to go through that hassle, there is an easier and FREE alternative to will call delivery: automatic propane delivery from Irish Propane

FREE Automatic Propane Delivery

Automatic propane delivery offers a great way to take the worry out of managing your winter fuel supply.

When you become an Irish Propane automatic delivery customer, our systems will estimate your fuel use based on your past bills and the current weather, scheduling a top-off when your tank reaches about one-quarter full. Best of all, there are no fees for automatic delivery – think of it as FREE peace of mind!

Contact Irish Propane today to make the switch to automatic fuel delivery – or to request a propane delivery in Buffalo and Rochester, NY!

If you’re new to owning a propane-powered home here in the Buffalo or Rochester, NY – or don’t have much experience running propane equipment year-round – you may wonder how often you can expect to refill your propane tank.

Timing Your Propane Delivery

To estimate how often you will need a propane delivery, you will need to know three things:

1. The size of your propane tank (typically 250 to 1000 gallons);
2. The number, types, and sizes of your propane appliances;
3. How much fuel each of your appliances consumes in typical use (we will take a look at that below).

Energy Use Of Common Propane Appliances

The amount of propane your appliances will use depends on factors ranging from the size and efficiency of each unit to how well it was matched to your space, installed, and maintained. But the following table should give you some idea of how much each appliance uses to do its job:

• HVAC Furnace – 100,000 to 200,000 BTU (~1 to 2 gallons)/hour
• Tankless water heater – 40,000 BTU/hour (~1.5 gallons / day)
• Fireplace with ceramic logs – 26,000 BTU/hour (1 gallon / 3 hours)
• Gas cooktop/range – 65,000 BTU/hour (5 to 10 gallons / month)
• Gas clothes dryer – 35,000 BTU/hr (< 1 gallon/ day)

If you want a better idea of how much propane your home might use – and how quickly – contact us today. Our experts will help you determine whether or not your propane tank is right-sized for your home and usage so you can be sure you’re getting the most value for your money.

And if you want to greatly reduce the costs and hazards of a propane run-out, sign up for FREE automatic propane delivery from and let us worry about it!

Looking for reliable propane deliveries in our service area? Join the Irish Propane family of customers for the best propane gas and propane gas services in the Western New York State.